“There’s not a truer guy you’ll find for the San Diego State football team,” SDSU offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig said.

Ludwig said Schmidt is doing a “very good job.” He also notes that “I was a GA (graduate assistant) once. You’ve got to get your first job somewhere.”

After spring practice, Long and Ludwig said they will make a decision on Schmidt.

Both have a certain bias: Each got their first coaching jobs at their alma maters, just like Schmidt hopes will happen soon. Long started at New Mexico, Ludwig at Portland State.

Besides that, neither has had much time to consider other candidates.

“I haven’t even asked (Ludwig) how he thinks (Schmidt) is doing,” Long said Tuesday.

In the meantime, the offensive line might need more coaching than any other area of the team. Last year, SDSU’s big blockers proved to be a steady force, ranking seventh nationally in fewest sacks allowed (11). But three of the five starters from last year’s team graduated. The other two starters are injured.

As a result, the five players working with the first-team line this spring have only one combined career start. By fall, the line will be called on to protect a new starting quarterback and new starting running back.

“It’s not about me,” Schmidt said. “It’s about those 12 kids who had two coaches leave them, and they’re fighting for some consistency in coaching. I’m fired up to be here. I wouldn’t want to be any other place.”